Roughages Pastures Hay – varies more than any other feed – harvest at optimum time – if cured properly, contain 20% moisture or less Crop Residues – left in field after harvest – straw, corn stalks, chaff etc

Forages as Energy Sources Forages (roughages) can supply some of the energy needs in the livestock ration, although they are not as concentrated source of energy as the grains. Value of forages for livestock feed is highly dependent on time of harvesting. As forage plants mature, the crude fiber content (cellulose and lignin) increases, which lowers the digestibility of the feed. When forages are harvested as silage, more of the nutritional value of the plant is preserved.

Corn Silage Corn silage, which contains almost 50% grain on a dry matter basis, is an excellent energy source for certain classes of livestock. Sorghum and small grain silages are lower in energy content than corn silage.

Straws Oat, barley and wheat straws are low in energy value and are not used as a major source of energy. It may be used if additional fiber is needed in the ration.

Pastures Properly managed pastures can be a good source of nutrients. Rotating and fertilizing pastures to get the best yield and nutritional value. Quality of pasture must be closely watched and supplemented with good quality stored forages when necessary.

Energy Concentrates A major source of energy nutrients is the cereal grains and grain byproduct. These feeds are called energy concentrates or basal feeds when their crude protein is less than 18% in DM.

Corn (Maize) One of the highest energy feeds available. The most widely grown and used feed grain crop. It is an economical and superior source of energy. Consideration must be given to amount to feed, frequency and combinations with other feeds, in order to get the most efficient use of this high energy feed source without causing digestive problems.

Corn & Cob Meal Contains about 10% less energy than shelled corn because of the fiber content in the cob. All species can utilize it, however, when feed to growing-fattening hogs because they do not have the ability to digest and use much of the cob content.

Oats About 85% of the energy of corn. Higher in crude protein than corn and add fiber and bulk to the ration. Help the rumen maintain bacterial and protozoa function. Not a good fattening feed but are used extensively in rations for horses, young growing stock, breeding animals. Usually fed rolled or ground.

Barley Almost equal to corn in energy value, but lies between corn and oats in fiber content. Used in a ration in a manner similar to oats. Barley may replace up to 50 % of the corn in rations for fattening animals. To improve palatability it is often steam rolled

Wheat High in both energy and protein. Wheat is similar to corn in composition and feeding value. If and when it is used in a ration it is included at low levels in a mix with other grains because it is rapidly digested and may cause digestive disturbances.

Grain Sorghum There are many varieties and various hybrids. Smaller than corn and may replace up to 100% of the corn in a feedlot ration. Generally rolled or ground when included in a ration.

Rye is usually used for bread for human consumption and has limited use as a livestock feed. It is not as valuable as corn, whet or grain sorghum. Ergot contaminated rye can be toxic to livestock. The use of rye in livestock rations should be limited to no more than one-third of the ration. It should be coarsely ground or rolled to increase palatability.

Peas By 10% less energy value then that of corn. Significantly higher in crude protein than corn (up to 20% CP per 1 kg). A good source of protein and lysine. But includes some undesirable factors, which may cause digestive disturbances. Better to use after heat treatment (extrusion)

Sources of Energy—Fats & Oils A byproduct of oil and packing plants, poultry processing plants. Fats and oils in the feed reduces the dustiness of the feed. A highly concentrated source of energy (at least 300% of corn energy value) I ncreases calorie density of a ration (2, 25 times energy of carbohydrates) Often treated with antioxidants to prevent the feed from becoming rancid in storage. Beef and dairy rations can contain up to 5% while swine rations may have up to 20%.

Sources of Energy—Molasses By-product of sugar manufacture Common types of molasses are cane, beet, citrus and wood. ¾ energy value of corn Molasses is used in rations for cattle, sheep and horses but is seldom used in swine rations, because it causes scouring. Appetizer, improves palatability, aids rumen microbial activity, reduces dust and serves as a binder when feeds are pelleted. Molasses is usually limited to not more than 10 -15% of the ration.

Special Feeds of Animal Origin Colostrum: first milk given by mammals after parturition – contains antibodies – within 15 min to 4 hours – surplus colostrum can be frozen for up to a year or more – can feed cow colostrum to lambs etc. , but some diseases are species specific

Special Feeds of Animal Origin Milk Replacers – can’t replace colostrum – a good replacer should contain up to 20% dried milk – fortified with vitamins, minerals & antibiotics – can be used as whole milk diet alternative in rearing programs